How to Choose the Right Oven and Hob for Your Kitchen

Whether you're looking for an oven or a new hob, we have a variety of sizes and features to fit your kitchen.

Solid plate hobs are easy to use and durable. They have metal plates with sealed surfaces that heat your cookware. They're ideal for flat-based products and can be economical to run.

Origins

Ovens are used in kitchens across the globe to bake and roast foods. Generally they are fueled by gas or electricity with bottle gas models available in some markets, although ovens may also use other fuels like charcoal or wood. In a lot of homes, the oven is surrounded by a stove that food items can be cooked. Hobs are essentially a stove that can be turned on and off. An oven is a closed space which heats food in the middle.

The first ovens were massive brick and mud structures that had fire in order to heat food. They were used to bake bread, cook meat and other dishes since they were capable of keeping the heat at an even temperature, and were able to be shared between family members. However, these open pits and furnaces had three major disadvantages: they were dangerous because of the open flame and smoke and they used a lot of fuel (wood), and it was difficult to control the heat and cooking process.

The solution was to use ovens that looked like fireplaces. They included a chimney to block off the fire, reducing its intensity and smoke. This made it easier to control. They were popular in the 16th and 17th centuries and were typically found in household that were wealthy enough to have a separate kitchen area with a chimney, as well as having more than one oven and fireplace.

By the middle of the 19th century, European ovens had evolved to become a common element in kitchens of homes. It was partly due the fact that the oven was an essential requirement. It was more secure and efficient to cook over an open fire or in a cauldron. However, it is also believed that the invention of the oven coincided with the changes in cooking style and recipes that led to more concentration on meat and casseroles.

It is worth noting that in some recipes, like those from Nigella, she will recommend placing a pot "on the hob" however this could be misleading since hob is actually an actual British word for a stove top. The North American equivalent is a range or cooktop, and it could be confusing if you are not familiar with the British terminology.

Functions

The oven hob functions, also known as cooking modes, are preprogrammed options that control the oven's heating element as well as fan based on the recipe you are cooking. They are designed to help you cook food more efficiently and effectively while preserving flavour and texture.

Ovens typically have a conventional mode that heats from the top and bottom to bake or roast food. There is also a fan-assisted option that makes use of an integrated fan to circulate air around the oven, which allows for an even and faster heating. There are a variety of options for oven and hob functions. It's important to know the differences to determine the best ovens and hobs one for you.

The fan-powered function of the oven is perfect for cooking a wide variety of meals. It heats the oven more evenly than a conventional oven, and is perfect for baking, grilling, and roasting. It is particularly useful for pizzas and pie that require a fast crisp, crisp finish. The Fan-Assisted setting is marked by a zigzag on the top and a straight line at the bottom of a square and can help you save up to 40% in cooking time.

Some ovens have a grilling feature that combines heat from the bottom and top of the oven, giving your food an amazing charcoal. This is a great option for meat and vegetable kebabs and can be identified by straight lines or zigzag lines, like Fan-Assisted. This is usually used on the bottom shelf of the oven. Be sure to check the temperature settings inside your oven to ensure that you don't overcook.

There are also other oven functions that include proofing pastry and bread slow cooking, baking, and more. These are usually preprogrammed and provide a controlled warm environment that helps rise dough and develop flavours.

Certain ovens have a steam function that is perfect for making healthy and nutritious meals. It offers a moderate amount of moisture to your food, which maintains the tenderness of the food and imparts a delicate, rich taste to vegetables, poultry, baked products, and even custards. This function is activated by placing water in the reservoir of your best oven and then turning it on. Some models even alter the amount of steam in accordance with the temperature set.

Types

There are a variety of ovens and hobs available on the market with a range of styles, from traditional gas models to modern electric models. Choosing one that meets your needs and style can make a huge difference in how it is easy to cook at home. Consider features like self-cleaning or smart capabilities.

Gas ovens are a common option and work well in all kitchens. They are easy to use because they have rings on the burners and an grate on which pans rest and emits heat. Gas hobs are also energy-efficient and provide precise temperature control. This could help you cut your utility bills. They can take longer to heat up than electric hobs and may be more difficult to clean, due to the residue.

Electric hobs come in many different styles that include ceramic and induction. Induction hobs can be a little more expensive, but they are energy efficient because the hob only heats up when you place an item on it. They are also safe for children and are able to heat fairly quickly. They are also slow to cool off and don't heat up evenly.

Plate hobs are another staple of the kitchen, offering an array of electric cooking zones on an even surface that is placed underneath your kitchen appliances. They are sleek and have a modern design that can be a perfect match for most kitchens. They are difficult to clean since they have multiple zones of uneven heating. If they are not properly cleaned, they can leave burn marks.

The most common type is the built-in single-oven. These can be installed on top of a stove, or on the floor in an built-in cabinet. They are typically large enough to hold a large meal and come in a variety of sizes, so make sure to take into consideration your family's size when selecting an oven. There are also ovens with extra features such as grill or steam functions.

Installation

It may be worth hiring an electrician to install an oven that is new for you or to replace an old one. This will ensure that the electrical circuit is correctly installed and that your new appliance is safe for use. An electrician who is certified will be able to adhere to local regulations and ensure that your installation is in line with all applicable safety regulations.

You'll need all the tools and equipment that you require before beginning the installation of your brand new electric hob and oven. These include wire nuts electrical tape, a screwdriver, an electrical circuit tester and conduit. It's also important to test the electrical supply in your home to ensure it is able to handle the load of a brand new electric oven and hob.

To install an oven or Hob and Oven hob that is new first, you need to remove the old ones. To accomplish this, locate the screws or bolts that hold the old appliance and then remove them carefully. After the old appliance has been removed from the area, it should be cleared of any obstructions. Then the junction box will need to be erected and connected to the electrical supply via conduit. This should be done in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions and any relevant local regulations.

Once the electrical connections are completed, the oven and hob can be lifted into place. The fitter will then make use of the clips supplied with the hob to fix it to the wall and ensure that it is flush with the worktop. The fitter will test the hob and ensure that it's functioning properly.

If you're planning to install a gas hob and oven, it's a good idea hire a professional for the job. Gas installation isn't as straightforward as plugging in a brand new electric oven, and requires the assistance of a CORGI certified engineer to connect the pipework. Installing a cooker hood is also an option for those who don't have one. It will allow you to ventilate your kitchen, and is required under Part F of the Building Regulations.